Spring 2015 issue of Horizons

Attracting a New Generation of Drivers A recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute noted that drivers 45 years or older represented 55.5% of all drivers in America; drivers younger than 35 only made up 20.5%. Trucking companies are beginning to learn and experience that hiring models that worked 15-20 years ago are not working today. The millennial generation, the generation of workforce born roughly between 1980 and 2000, wants different things than those in the workforce required 15-20 years ago. While the nature and business model of the industry will not change, trucking companies still need employees to drive loads from point A to point B. The issue is that the employment force has changed. It is up to each business owner to identify what their employees are looking for and what they are willing to offer as a means to attract and retain the younger generation of future truck drivers. Business owners should spend time with employees to understand their desires.

For example, offering 401(k) benefits with a company match or profit sharing might be appealing to mid-career drivers. However, to millennials looking at significant student loan debt, a 401(k) plan may not be as important to them at this point in their lives. The Need for Better Infrastructure Increased and improved infrastructure would assist in making all products move quicker and more efficiently, which will lower the cost to the consumer and give U.S. businesses and manufacturers a competitive edge in this growing global economy. Currently, many drivers are slowed down due to traffic and congestion delays or repair delays due to deteriorating roads and highways. While business owners are not expected to personally fund the necessary projects to take our nation’s infrastructure into the twenty-first century, they can be a voice for the industry. Get involved with the local state organization or contact a local political official with concerns; but most importantly, realize the importance your business has on the growth of the local and global economy.

RubinBrown’s Transportation & Dealerships Services Group RubinBrown assists the transportation industry through accounting, income tax, retirement, estate and benefit planning.

John Butler, CPA, CGMA — St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.290.3333 john.butler@rubinbrown.com

Mary Ramm, CPA — Kansas City Partner Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 913.499.4406 mary.ramm@rubinbrown.com

Aaron Pollard, CPA — St. Louis Manager & Vice Chair Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.290.3457 aaron.pollard@rubinbrown.com

Russ White, CPA — Denver Partner Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 303.952.1247 russ.white@rubinbrown.com

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